International Youth Fellowship (IYF) – PART III

After a whole week of painful lectures and sermons along with lots of fun and adventurous activities, the 2009 IYF Global Camp Malaysia has creep to its end. 29 January 2009 marked the final day of this Global Camp. This also coincides with us, the Volunteers being made retrenched of our services and duties.

 

The closing ceremony of this Global Camp took stage to approximately 1500 audiences at 6.30pm at the Sunway Convention Hall. Various singing, dancing and orchestra performances were organized, to officially end this Global Camp together.  Above is a picture of the all time favourite quartet together with their guitars.

Below are more captured moments of the performances. Enjoy!

 

African Dance

This dance is performed by a group of Koreans who acquired the African’s art of dancing while having lived in Africa for 1 year, fulfilling their commitments as IYF volunteers there.

 

 

 

 

 

Chinese Cultural Dance

Same as the African team, this group of performers have learnt and inherited the Chinese culture while living in China as IYF leaders for some lengthy period prior coming to Malaysia.

 

 

 

Korean Dances

Seen below is a performance of a certain Korean Tribe’s dance. As Korea used to have close ties with Mongolia during its historical beginnings, they have somewhat acquired the culture of Mongolia. The costume of the performers in the first picture of this section, clearly shows some resemblance.

 

 

Korean Fan Dance

The Korean Fan Dance deeply signifies and truly portrays the Korean culture. Notice the elegant dresses on them, it is the Korean traditional dress, called Hanbok. I love how the dresses catch wind, forming a bell shape as the performers swirl.

 

 

 

 

 

Also check out PART I and PART II of the IYF 2009 Global Camp Malaysia.

International Youth Fellowship (IYF) – PART I

International Youth Fellowship (IYF) – PART II

1st Day of Chinese New Year (初一)

 

Playing host to my Singaporean cousins who travelled all the miles for this Family Reunion, I  sought out for their entertainment and couldn’t afford for them to feel bored. Hence as every ticking second of the clock started to have an expression Ritardando, I suggested that we make a trip over to 1 Utama.

 

While the girls were treasure hunting in the shop boutiques, clangs, chimes and drum rolls came amplifying my way. We quickly identified the source and came to realise that the Lion Dance performance was about to commence. Saving the hassle of having to jostle through the crowds, I turned on my camera’s live view, and started to capture shots from the first floor tip-toed. Above is one of the very few pictures I got of the Lion looking my way!

 

After our shopping spree, we made Delicious our next stop for refreshments. Above is a picture of my cousin Suet Mei pouring in  heaps of honey into her lemon tea.

 

As re returned home, we still had some photo-shooting time to spare. This was definitely a not-to-miss opportunity as both my photographer uncle and photographer cousin  were willing to vouchsafe us some skills of theirs. Above is a picture of my cousin, Amanda peering into my other cousin, Daniel’s camera.

The day ended with a Chinese New Year reunion feast. The Yee Sang picture at the beginning of this post was taking during this very meal.

We Have Moved

For courtesy, I hereby inform all friends and family that effective today, the Lee’s residence has officially moved into our new dwelling at Zenia of Desa ParkCity.

 

This official move date in is intended to be in accordance with the start of the Chinese New Year. There is no feng shui or what-so-ever ideology and practice involved as to when our move in day should be; this day was chosen as a special day to commemorate our move in).

Also, today we will be delightfully hosting the 初一 (chu yi) family gathering at this very blessed haven of ours.

 

PS: Guests to our new home be aware, you are at a privileged position to be invited over. No negative or damping comments are welcomed. Thank you.

Happy Chinese New Year.. 农历新年快乐!!

 

Wishing all a prosperous and happy…

 

Chinese 牛 year!

 

* 牛 ( niú ) {sounds like ‘new’} means ox in mandarin. 2009 of the lunar calendar is the year of a ox (牛).

CNY Reunion Dim Sum with Ex-TBMers

It is always our annually custom for me and my high school friends to reunite for a “family” Chinese New Year Reunion meal. In the past, Yee Ven would usually book a function room in Chinese restaurants, for a night’s meal of "Yee Sang” along with other authentic Chinese dishes which have close accordance to the Chinese New Year Ritual.

 

This time around, as many of us couldn’t make it for the intended Saturday Reunion dinner, hence our reunion meal was adjourned to the last day of the lunar calendar (年三十) which falls on a Sunday. Knowing very well that it is all Chinese’s ritual and family custom to stay home and have a reunion dinner (团圆饭) with family members on this very special night (aka 年三十夜), we decided to have a dim sum reunion breakfast together at Eden Menjalara. Above is a picture of stacks of dim sum trays, over towering one another.

 

Some of us couldn’t make it for today’s reunion due to very sincere and valid reasons, while some just couldn’t be bothered and was irresponsibly lacking in commitment. I lost grasp of the opportunity to take pictures during the meal as I was too immersed to catching up with my long-time-no-see friends. Below are the pictures of our dim sum meal together.

 

Above: Wei Li and Wei Sing

 

Above: Rachel and Yau Wai

 

Above: Houzhi and Wei Li

 

Above: Houren and Rachel

 

Above: Soofrine and Pik San

 

Above: Chun Xiong and Wei Li

 

PS: If any of you guys want the pics, drop me a note and I’ll send it over to you.

International Youth Fellowship (IYF) – PART II

On my 3rd volunteering day, my class (Titus 3 from Grace college), was scheduled to go for a trip to Genting Highlands in the afternoon.  Dato’ Chua Soi Lek was the guest speaker for the morning. Above is a picture taken of the strings ensemble with my new camera lens, EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM.

 

After the short morning break,the rest of the morning was scheduled for a variety of performances. Above is picture of the lead violinist.

 

Below are other shots taken during the singing and orchestral performances that morning. Enjoy!

 

 

Above is a picture taken at the end of the final violin performance. In the following was a sermon delivered by a Korean Pastor.

After the sermon, next in the itinerary was lunch, following with the tours. Instead of following my class to Genting, I used the excuse of having to leave early, and opted to stay back at the convention hall to help sort out some administrative work. I soon lost steam to take shots and let the remaining of the day swept past with forgetful moments.

International Youth Fellowship (IYF) – PART I

A group of us from GTPJ voluntarily offered our time and services to be guides to the attendees of this IYF Global Camp. IYF (International Youth Fellowship) is a worldwide organization that was formed by Christians. Educators, politicians, scholars, businessmen and scientists at every level of society, of different color, and language, came to  participate this camp and supported IYF through materials and labor.

 

The 2009 IYF Global Camp was held at the Sunway Convention Hall in Sunway Pyramid. This camp is commencing from the 21st Jan 09 thru 27 Jan 09. According to the organizers, the number  participants totaled a figure of 1500. Furthermore, 90% of them were from Korea, whilst the remaining 10% are from various parts of the world. Above is a picture of our morning routine rendezvous.

 

I did not have my camera with me on the first day of the IYF Global Camp, and therefore failed to capture moments of the opening ceremony. However, I had my camera with me on the second day. Above is a picture taken through the projection screen, of the Korean speaker with his interpreter. 

 

In the later part of the day, our groups and classes left us for their various site visits. Hence, the volunteers together with Daniel Jee ((Daniel is a Korean and is in charge of the Volunteers) headed for Sunway Lagoon theme park to have some fun! Below are pictures taken at the theme park.

 

 

Above: Esther and Timothy

 

Above: Jason and Daniel.

 

Above: All set for the ripples!

 

Above: Damien on the Terradactyl

The Apartment @ The Curve

Curiosity kills the “Juin”. Time after time, as I strolled passed “The Apartment” whilst being aimless with my walking, I tend to be very much intrigued by this boutique. It was always a difficult task of ascertaining what service this “boutique” offers. Does it sell furniture? Is it a show house? I’ll usually get drowned by my own queries, and be subdued to this IQ demanding “game”.

No matter, based on gut feel I somewhat guessed this to be a restaurant.

 

Today, my mom and I revived the adventurous receptors of our tastebuds and barged right into The Apartment without pondering a second thought. Being skeptical was against the rules of this adventure. Above is the architectural plan of the restaurant’s foods (in layman’s English, the MENU).

 

The ambience of this restaurant was inarguably unique. Its interior was made to look like an “Apartment”, hence its inherited name. You had a choice of dining in the hall, the bedroom, the study, or the bathroom! Different sections of the restaurant were designed to have a facade of the fore-mentioned rooms. Above is a picture of the bar counter.

 

We were extremely spoilt with the wonderful hospitality provided by the service staff. They relentlessly ensured our comfort and dining experience. After a snappy pick from the lunch set menu, we placed our orders. Soon after, it was.. BON APPETITE!

 

Salmon Laksa – Linguine with salmon cutlets in Laksa soup.

 

Tandoori Chicken Wrap – Chicken breasts marinated with tandoori spices, wrapped in tortilla wraps.

 

This meal, comprising of 2 set lunches summed up to a decent amount of RM 38. To our delights, this restaurant is levied the 5% Gov tax too!

A wonderful dining experience it was! I’d say that The Apartment is a restaurant of a niche for niche customers in possession of niche tastes and expectations! ie ME! =D

Jon Wong’s Farewell Party

Just Sunday, we the cellies came together at Jon Wong’s house to auspicate his farewell party. Jon will be leaving for the US to further pursue his studies. Above is a picture of Jon together with Delaine.

 

Catering a meal for a whopping number of guests who RSVP-ed, was indeed an over generous giving from the Wong family. The attendees comprised of Jon’s relatives, friends, and off course his “brothers and sisters” aka us! Being spoilt by an enormous variety of food choices, we overwhelmed our poor little tummies.

 

After satiating our appetites, we went photoshooting frenzy. Above is a picture of Seng Chye (pro photographer) getting into action, while Gavin and Melvin nicks a tip or two.

 

Even Elizabeth is couldn’t resist her enthusiasm to start shooting pictures! In dedication to Delaine, I shall flood this post with most of the captured moments. Prepare to drown! Enjoy!

 

Above: Delaine, Chris and Sze Mun

 

Above: Mei Fong, Huay Ming and Hazel

Above: Group photo of the girls

 

Above: Charisse, Hazel and Mei Fong

Above: Charisse taking a shot while Elizabeth takes a peek

Above: Chris groping his “breast”

Above: Girls will be girls

Above: Boys will be boys

Above: The girls

Above: “Chris must die”

Above: Hazel, Delaine, Angeline, Huay Ming and Badrinna

Above: Mei Fong and Charisse, the queens of Emo

Above: Me and Delaine

Above: Huay Ming and Badrinna

Above: Me and Sze Mun

Above: Charisse and Mei Fong

Above: Badrinna and I

Above: Sze Mun and Delaine

Above: Me and Charisse

Above: The frozen jumping moment

 

 

As the clock struck 7pm, we parted ways, and deserted Jon.

Jon, may God be a part of you always! Go out there and shine! We’ll always keep you at heart! God speed.